People-power finally wins the day as speed limit is cut at Sunderland school

A SEVEN-YEAR community battle to improve safety around a school is finally getting the green light.

A 20mph zone around Barnes Primary and Infant School will be enforced after years of campaigning.

The speed limit will be put in place around the school, including parts of Mount Road, Colchester Terrace and Ewesley Road.

As well as the 20mph limit there will be additional speed bumps on Ewesley Road and Cleveland Road, to prevent rat-running.

“I’m delighted that this has happened,” said Barnes ward Councillor Tony Morrissey. “But it’s not before its time.

“This scheme is very welcome and a credit to the council officers involved in drawing it up, but it is regrettable that it’s taken so long to realise.”

He added: “Between these measures and the recent abolition of the ban on vehicles turning right onto Ormonde Street, which caused significant rat-running at speed along the streets surrounding the schools, the area will be far safer for everyone.”

An initial proposal in 2004 would have seen road humps in the wider area covering most of the streets between Ormonde Street and Ettrick Grove.

However, the controversial scheme was shelved by Sunderland City Council amid widespread local opposition.

Coun Morrissey hopes the work will begin during the festive break, but admits that winter weather will determine when changes can begin.

He said: “Hopefully, work can begin during the Christmas holidays so the schoolchildren aren’t disturbed.

“But it depends on the weather, it could be the Easter holidays.”

He added: “I think this has been a priority for all the councillors and we are hopeful that it will resolve the traffic problems around the school.”

Barnes Junior’s headteacher, Hilary Cooper, said she was happy with the decision.

“Anything that can be done to the surrounding areas of Barnes Junior School to ensure safety of the children would be very welcome.”